You Say
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Screen shot from Bansko App
“Hi Lance, Just wanted to thank you for sorting our ski packages out for us and the transfers. Everything was brilliant. My 2 grandsons got on brilliantly in ski school and received excellent feedback about their skiing. All in all we had a great holiday in Bansko for the 2nd year running and will definitely arrange everything through the Banskoblog next year. Kind regards,” — Kathryn Abbott & Family
“Hey Lance, Just to say thanks. We booked through BanskoBlog.com. The transfers were first class. The ski hire was the same. I have booked myself in the past but booking online with yourselves was much easier. Anyway thanks again. See you next year maybe.” — Robert Campbell & Family
Rob Campbell and family.
“Hi lance, Just wanted to drop you a very quick email to let you know how I got on with the advanced skis and boots you sorted out for me. Ended up getting the Lange boots which were really comfortable (all day) and a dam site cheaper than bringing mine across from the UK. I also used the Rossignol “slant
Rossignol Advanced Skis: New for 2013
nose” world cup skis which were great. The guys at Ski mania had prepared them fantastically well. They ran really smoothly and really got me pushing myself, as I knew the edges would hold. Had a couple of guys I was skiing with looking at them and enquiring about where I had hired them from. Overall really enjoyed myself and the skiing was top draw – first time I had actually seen the valley without it being full of snow in the air and the crazy goat competition was a bit of a laugh. I have attached a couple of photos you may appreciate. Anyhow thanks again.” — Brian B, March 2013
“Hi Lance, Just a quick note to say we had a fab holiday, ski mania instructor was fab with our children and we will definitely use you/ski mania next year. Thanks for everything.” — Hazel M, March 2013
“Hi Lance, I hope this finds you well? I wanted to drop you a quick e-mail to thank you for all of your help and assistance through BanskoBlog.com – it was really helpful, thorough and precise. All the content that you have on the site is spot on and this helped us enjoy our holiday. Thanks you! The only small problem I have is with the App; I keep looking at it at work and I keep wishing that I was back in Bansko, I think I checked it every day since returning. We are in fact looking to come back over at the end of August so we can see what the other season is like in Bansko. We are seriously considering buying a property in Bansko after just one visit. Once again Lance; thank you for your time and effort in building this site with excellent content, I would highly recommend this site to friends and family. Can you also pass our gratitude onto the guys at Ski Mania, they were all very professional and polite.” — Steve M, March 2013
“Hi Lance, We have just returned from a fantastic week in Bansko. The upgraded ski hire I purchased from you with Ski Mania was brilliant. The guy in the skimania shop by the pharmacy could not have been more helpful and pleasant. Every morning and afternoon he always greeted us with a smile. And as you said he didn’t mind me changing my skis a couple of times. I’ll certainly recommend you and your web site.” — Jonathan B, March 2013
“Hi Lance, Just to let you know that I had a great time and the ski package booking went great. Many thanks for all your info and blogging was a great help and made everything a breeze.” — Steve C, March 2013
“Hi Lance, we were in Bansko early feb for our 1st skiing hol. It was fantastic ski mania was so helpful ready and waiting at the end of the day when tired etc. our instructor was brill and very patient. We’re so going back next year. The app is great. Well done.” — Bev H, February 2013
“Hi Just got back from 6 days skiing in Bansko – got lift passes and rental equipment from Ski Mania (via banskoblog.com web site) – very helpful and would use again – had a wonderful time” — Linda L, February 2013
“Just came back from a fabolus week in Bansko. The skiing was outstanding, and the snow condition excellent. And the slopes were very good. We had both sun and snow. One day it came about 80-100cm snow. Amazing. So i would like to thank you fpr your blogg it was very helpfull.The only negative was the food, ok but not amazing. And the cue to the cabin was not a problem, we were hangin on the door at 7.45! So thank you again, we are absolutly coming back.!!! =) =) =)” — Cerny J, Fevruary 2013
“Thanks for sorting out the hire and passes for us, everything went very smoothly and again we had a great time, Bansko seems to get better year on year. I hope you have had a successful season and keep up the great work with the app and website. All the best.” — Alan P, February 2013
“All went mega smooth and our holiday was a great success, thank you. Coming back again, see you next year” — Steve P, February 2013
“Lance, Back now from a great trip to Bansko. I would highly recommend both the services that you offer and also Bansko as a great resort.” — Sam B, February 2013
“Hi Lance, we have returned from our first ever trip skiing , what a great choice to go to Bansko and what a great help your blog was. Great work, we still look at the blog everyday, takes us right back. We are def returning next year ! Keep up the great work. Paul and Jo x” — Paul T, February 2013
“Just got back from a great 6 days in Bansko made all the more enjoyable and easy booking ski hire/lift passes from you guys. Service was brilliant and equipment was great. There was 8 of us, 4 totally beginners and we all had a wonderful time 🙂 Thanks again guys will definitely be booking through you again…..hopefully see you next year!!!!” — Justine B, January 2013
“Hi Lance, I just wanted to say thanks for making our first trip to Bulgaria so easy and so enjoyable. We booked transfers, ski hire, lift passes and lessons with you and everything ran so smoothly there were no issues at all and everyone was so friendly and helpful. Your Bansko guide was our bible and we tried most of the restaurants you recommended and all the tips in there came in very useful. The only negative was that we had to come home and go back to work :0( .Thanks again for all your help and we are planning our next trip there already” — Lisa Brett-Winchurch, January 2013
“Excellent app great for checking out the web cams and where to go in Bansko. I have been out to Bansko many times, and I would also recommend Lance’s ski hire, lift pass and transfer services.” — Barry R, January 2013 (via App Store)
“Thanks Lance, I am really looking forward to our first trip next week! Your info is really good and I have printed the guide and downloaded the app, hopefully there is plenty of snow !” — Paul T, January 2013
“Hi Lance, we just got back and can only say wow! Thank you for everything, prebooking the transfers, ski hire, lessons, lift passes on your site made it all easy. Pass on thx to the guys at skimania for being so helpful too. It made this year’s trip to Bansko the best ever, thanks again” — David S, January 2013
“Hi Lance, just to say we had an amazing instructor and lessons.” — Rosie T, January 2013
“I have just discovered your blog on my iphone and i must say it is very interesting and informative. We are coming to Bansko on 27th Dec for 10days, we have been before but I have seen how much more is available thanks to your blog. Keep up the good work.” — Mark H, December 2012
“Hi Lance. Just wanted to say a huge thank you for your excellent work on Bansko Blog. Visits to your site are very much part of the build up to trip to Bansko. Keep up the great work.” — Chris J, December 2012
“Me and three other friends will be visiting Bansko in Feb next year for our first snowboard holiday and I am very impressed with the website and how helpful it is. We will be using your booking system to book our lift pass, board hire and transfers as it is the easiest and most cost effective way of doing this.” — Christopher D, December 2012
“what fantastic customer support!” — Paul Little, November 2012
“Hello Lance, Another great email and update, thank you. No surprise your hard work has resulted in a top 10* position recently. All the more power to your elbow…” Fiona B, October 2012 (* Rank #2 in the Top 10 UK Ski Blog from Cisico, Ed :))
“Hi Lance, I have just spent the last hour reading your PDF essential guide – Love it. I went skiing for the first time in January, to Bansko, with a group of my friends – all had been lucky enough to go skiing before so I was the beginner. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I have today booked to go back to Bansko in January 2013 but this time I am taking my mother (a 50th Birthday present for her) and my 18 year old sister – they are both skiing virgins so I’m looking forward to showing them what I have learned this year (I am 24).” — Kerr S, October 2012
“I love your site, look at it every couple of days especially when getting near the ski season for the Video snow report.” — Ian C, October 2012
“Yours is the most helpful website we have found so far…” — Deni Lee, August 2012
“Just wanted to say I love the PDF Guide and very much look forward to trying a few more of the recommendations.” — Luverne Ford, July 2012
“Thank you, really comprehensive guide.” — Elaine Savvas, July 2012
Click on image to download iphone app
“Hi Lance, just to say I was really please to see your latest You Tube feed yesterday, made me feel much more confident about the conditions next week after feeling slightly nervous I have to say. Really looking forward to it now, so thanks for posting this stuff, it really helps.” — Stephen Knight, March 2012
“Hi Lance, Just wanted to thank you for all your help with the planning for our ski hols last week. SkiMania were great and the lift passes booked in advance a real saving. Never seen snow like it and the skiing by all accounts was fantastic. Sorry we never managed to catch up with you in person but hope to be back in the summer and promise you a pint then!” — Claire Kett, March 2012
Bansko pistes
Click on image to download iphone app
“Great app… works on the ipad no problems , excellent very good indeed… looking fwd to getting to bankso now .. 2 sleeps 
” — Richard W, February 2012
“Great app! Thank you.” — Adrian F, February 2012 “Thank you for your very useful app” — Michael, February 2012
“That’s seriously cool. I’ve downloaded it.” (reference iphone app) — Ian M (via email), February 2012 “This is FANTASTIC!!!! Brilliant Thank You! :-)” (reference Bansko Blog App) – Rachel M (via facebook) February 2012
“@bansko great job. Love it” (reference: Bansko Blog App) — Aaron S (via twitter) February 2012
“@bansko nice app! Might come in more use one day when I come back.” — Ian M, (via twitter) February 2012
“@bansko thank you. Great blog by the way. It has helped me loads in planning my #bansko trips.” — James February 2012 (via twitter; follow @bansko)
“Hello Lance, Thanks for the Blog, we are finding it really helpful especially as our holiday draws nearer. We’ve been coming to Bansko for about six years now, this year our four old daughter will hopefully be on the slopes too…” — Mark S, February 2012
“Thanks Lance. I really loved Bansko, that’s why I want to go back and thank you so much for all the help with booking everything. I hope to go back in March again and will be in touch regarding making all the arrangements.” — Maddie W, February 2012
“Hi Lance, We all had a great holiday. Good snow and good food! Everything went to plan. Thanks for being helpful and sorting out any issues we had. ” — Darrell M (UK), February 2012
“@bansko your tweets are fantastic can’t wait to be there again next year please keep the pictures coming brightens up my day!” — Dan Williams via @bansko (UK)
“Hi Lance, Just wanted to say a huge thanks for your help in arranging ski equipment, lessons, passes and transfers for us last week. Ski Mania were excellent, the lessons the children had were really good and only 3 of them in the class! We will definitely be coming back to Bansko next year as it’s a perfect location for a family ski holiday at the right price! We had great food all week but Victoria deserves a special mention as it was really nice. Many Thanks.” — Paul (UK)
“Hi Lance, heading to Bansko at the beginning of February for a couple of weeks and will be our second trip. Have learnt plenty of good advise and tips from your excellent blog.” — Chris Vaughan (UK)
“Lance, I am now back in the UK. Sometimes it’s always easy to write a letter/e-mail when things have gone wrong etc. However, I am a believer in ensuring that communication is sent went things go perfectly as well. Having not dealt with anyone in Bulgaria before, it is always a ‘concern’ that “What if it all goes wrong”. I should have trusted myself more. We arrived at the airport to a nice welcome, followed by great (and informative) transfer to Bansko. Ski Mania could not have been more helpful. The return transfer was prompt and excellent. Totally perfect. If you require a ‘testimonial’ for your potential UK clients, let me know and I will provide as from my experience, BanskoBlog have got it sorted. Just one point that maybe worth considering. We didn’t store our Skis at SkiMania as they didn’t open until 8am, by which time the lift queue was building. We chose to set off early and arrive for 7:45am to find nearly no queue at all which leads to a great start to the day. I reckon Ski-Mania could offer a service ( and charge for it ) that allows daily collection of Skis from 7:30am. I believe people would pay a little supplement for this. Just a thought.” — David Brereton (UK) 13th January 2012 LANCE REPLIES. Thank you David. Re ski shop opening SkiMania ARE open at 07:50 every morning and will open earlier (07:30 is fine) on request. NO CHARGE for this. Please note some of the Bansko hire places do not open until 08:30!
“Lance, Just had the 2nd day of skiing which has been perfect. 1st time in deep powder. The 1 to 1 coaching is a must. I too want to carve like the instructors… my skiing has come on leaps and bounds in a short time. Hopefully meet up in bar this week or next.” — William Steele in Bansko; 6th January 2012.
“Hi Lance, I have just returned back from my holiday in Bansko. My family and I had a super time. I just wanted you to know that we were all extremely pleased with SkiMania. The staff in the ski shop were very friendly & approachable and very helpful, which was so important to us as it was our first time there. I was also very impressed with the quality of the equipment. The Ski instructors we had (Kalin & Nick) were also very friendly and polite and again we all thoroughly enjoyed our lessons! Excellent service!! Bansko is a super place and we will definitely be spreading the word to our friends and customers and we will for sure be coming back next year!! Anyway, thanks again for all your help and advice….keep up the good work!!!! — Liz Morgan (UK)
“Thanks Lance , A great email , You really do keep us updated, its quality. Im always keeping my eye on the web cam , I check it everyday.Thanks for trying to help me when I contacted you over me breaking my tooth last month, I appreciated it.Its all sorted now. Snow looks awesome, we might try to get out in March . Take care and thanks again.” — Jayne Bradbury (UK)
“Hi Lance. Been watching your blog for some time and decided to do a week in Bansko (Dec 2011) and WOW. Stopped at the Grand Montana, and got to say what a brilliant and beautyiful place bansko is. AS avid snowboarder for nearly 25 yrs and been to some places(Italy, France etc) but none as friendly as Bansko. Went to Sopranos in Happy End bar and was well impressed. quality and quantity paramount. Also visited many of the local small resturants in the village and what a warm welcome we got. Nice to see the runs are opening. We arrived at the start of the season on Saturday with all the Fireworks etc, but was a little disapointed with only 2 runs open. saying that it did dump a massive amount onSunday which made it more fun on the slopes. Will be back next year but around the end of jan-Feb 12. meanwhile i am looking at property prices, maybe buy a property, so great to see some handy hints on security, any hints on requirements and laws on buying property in Bansko would be a great help. Happy New year to you Lance and Bansko. keep up the BanskoBlog.” — Roy (UK)
“Fab, Fab, Fab. Just leaving now for the marathon drive. Can’t wait to get there. Thanks for all of your help, you’ve been great.” — Tracey Gayle (Athens, Greece) “Hello Lance, it’s Anestis from Athens… thanks for the awesome updates from bansko! I’m planning a trip for a party of 4, (including me). I’ve just filled in your excel sheet with all our classes and equipment! Have a look and let me know. We are planning to start driving the next day after Christmas.” — Anestis (Greece)
“Hi Lance, Firstly I just want to say how helpful your website is! I’m thinking of booking an extra ski trip this year but I’d be traveling solo so I’ve been researching more than I normally would to minimise any unknowns that may crop up whilst I’m out there and your site has been super!…” — Lois de Lacey “Hi Lance, I’m Anestis from Athens. Great job on the bansko blog… we really appreciate keeping us informed on our favourite Balkan ski resort!!” — Anestis Iliadis (Athens, Greece)
“I have found the blog and information you have provided invaluable as this will be my first visit to Bansko.” — Justin Martin (UK)
“Hi Lance, Thanks for all your really helpful E-mails about bansko, we are really looking forward to going for New year. I have enclosed our booking form for both ski and snowboard hire as well as a transfer from Sofia.” — Karin Al-Shammaa (UK)
“Hi Lance, I’ve been using your site for a couple of trips to Bansko now – it’s the best resource for Bansko information on the web!” — Bradley Phipps (UK)
“Thanks for the email – enjoying these updates as I can’t wait to get out there in January after my big final medical exams!” — David Budd (UK)
“Dear Mr. Nelson, I got your e-mail from your terrific website Bansko Blog. It’s a good source for people like us, who will come to Bansko from abroad.” — Balkan Sencan (Turkey)
“Firstly can I say that I enjoy reading your very informative Blog on Bansko which I often forward to my friends and family. Keep up the good work!” — Michael M Hi Lance, great to get your emails it brightens my day thinking about Bansko and all the many friends we have made…” — Teresa S (UK) “So far so good – friendly efficient service from Lance – and everything sorted in one place – very easy!” — Adrian Cull (UK)
“Hi Lance, I just want to say a big thanks for a great, easy and trustworthy site. We hired our equipment through you and you were quick, efficient and the guys at Bansko Ski Mania were always friendly and helpful. I can’t believe how cheap it was! Thanks again, I will definitely be recommending you to any friends going to Bansko!” — Susie (UK) “Lance, would just like to say how much we enjoyed our ski holiday. It was everything that we wanted for first timers. Cannot fault your recommendations either, especially Ski Mania, the two lads and the young lady in the shop were absolutely fantastic. …We will almost certainly go again, when I am not sure, but again will be a must. I would also like to endorse the transfer company, excellent, Philip could not have been more helpful and Gorgio our driver almost became one of the family, great. We will certainly pass on the word. Regards,” — Gordon (UK) 
“Lance, We have recently returned from our holiday and would like to thank you for your help with equipment hire and ski lessons arranged with Ski Mania. George and his team could not have been more helpful or more pleasant which greatly enhanced our holiday experience.. You even managed to arrange a lovely fall of snow just as we arrived. Couldn’t be better! We hope to be able to use your services again next year. Enjoy the rest of the season. Many thanks” — Eileen C. Kerr (UK)
“Hi Lance, Our skiing holiday was absolutely brilliant. We enjoyed six days of fresh snow and nearly empty red runs. Thanks for all your help.” — Sara Williams (UK) “Hi Lance, Just to let you know that we had a fantastic week in Bansko last week. It has to be one of the best skiing holidays we have had. The weather and ski conditions were brilliant and the atmosphere at the weekend with the Men’s downhill was good fun. We got the student lift pass discount just by dates of birth, they didn’t query it at all. Everything was ok except on the 2ndday they got a little confused with our stuff and gave my son the wrong boots which we didn’t realise until we had got up the mountain!!! All was fine as our ski instructor adjusted the ski’s for him. Thanks for all your help with everything, we will definitely be back next year.” Kind regards — Liz Mann (UK)
“Hey, Great site. Really helpful info thank you. I’m heading to Bansko in March. Do you have an updated “getting the best guide” Thanks” — Liam Thomas “…By the way Bansko Blog is great i am on here every day, its now the only weather forecast and update that i trust. Great Work” — Daniel Forward (UK)
“The blog has been really helpful in the lead up to our holiday and we are all very happy to see you are finally getting a bit of snow.” — George Adamson (UK) “Lance, Many thanks for your prompt service as usual. Looking forward to next week, fingers crossed for a dump of snow on the weekend.” — Steve Lewis (UK)
“Hi Lance, The trip was fantastic and everything went off without a problem. The driver was great and it worked out cheap between three. The ski hire was good too and the guys were really nice and charming taking our skiis immediately and bringing us all our equipment every morning with a smile but the person we most wanted to highlight was the ski instructor mario: he was, by all accounts, a fantastic teacher and also a really nice bloke and Alice was really happy with her lessons. So, thanks for all your help and if you want to know about anything else don’t hesitate to drop me an email.” — James Allen (UK)
“Hello Lance, Please find attached a booking form for 5 days VIP ski, boot and pole hire and 5 Full day group lessons. I’d like to pre pay by credit card. Many thanks, terrific site BanksoBlog and great advice too from SkiMania, All the best” — Fiona Burn (UK)
“I can’t wait to get there! Will be mine and my wifes first real snowboard trip where we actually know how to snowboard (we are from Australia and only saw snow for the first time in our lives this year) so your blog is keeping me going until I get there! I’m not sure if everyone would like a snow update each day, but I know I sure would! I religiously check your blog each morning hoping you have put up a new post about the conditions that day. Even if its just a written one or two line paragraph and a photo, I would be happy. Other than that, thanks for all the great info you put on it. Regards” — Joel Scully (UK)
28th February 2011
“Hi Lance, We returned to UK on Boxing day after a short delay at Sofia. Without exception we all enjoyed a wonderful week of skiing. As beginners, we were able to ski every day as the nursery slope, 1 blue run and the snow road were open for the duration of our visit. Thanks for all your help in getting the lessons and equipment booked. As you said in your blog, George is very helpful and the skimania were extremely helpful, friendly and patient. Mario, our instructor, was perfect and demonstrated how to get seven non-skiers onto the slopes and confident in less than three days. By the third day we were able to ski down the snow road and on the fourth day went down several times on our own. The holiday was perfect and a great start to the Christmas season and we all have great memories of our accomplishments. We are even considering doing the same again next year!! Thanks once again to you and your contacts for giving us such a great experience. All the very best for the rest of the season to your and everyone over there.” — Milton (UK), 28th December 2010
“Excellent Lance, many thanks for sorting this out so quickly. If I find out anything useful, I’ll be sure to report back.” Mick Ayers (UK) “very impressed with your site & twitter etc which is very informative – great work!” Joanne Auld (UK)
“Lance, Thanks, very much appreciated. I’ll have no doubt found your blog very useful by the end of January so more than happy to recommend you.” — Dave Smith (UK) “Hi Lance, Great blog! A few quick questions: 1. Do you have any info on transfers from Plovdiv? how is the bus/train services? 2. Im looking for a place for 2 people (might change to 4, all beginners) around mid february, can you send some info on prices and availability? 3.In order to get the discount on hire and tuition, Do I have to book by the end of November? Many Thanks” — Arik (UK)
“Dear Lance, I am sending you the booking form. Just notify us when to pay by. Thanks for being so helpful, cheers! Sincerely, Ivana & Viktor (Serbia)
“Thank you for the advice, and maybe we will cross paths on the piste this year 🙂 All the best, Rob.” — Rob Bowden (UK)
“Hi Lance, Just to say thank you for recommending Vas for ski instruction. Not only did my skiing improve but also my networking with all the young girls that were on the slopes and in the town improved considerably. The only problem I had was that due my age I had to introduce myself as his father, but I had a great three days in his company. It was so good to speak to you as the blog has been so useful to me and my family. Thanks again” — John King (UK)
“Hi Lance; We just arrived back yesterday (March 23) from Bansko! It was a good experience and we have good weather and good snow (except Sunday and Monday), were the snow was very difficult and sometimes tricky. Anyhow it was a good stay! Thanks for your blog and indications.” — Tomaz Crespo (Portugal)
“Hi Lance, first of all may I thank you so very much for arranging our lift passes and equipment hire, everything ran smoothly and arriving on 8th March we had an incredible week! Snowing constantly for the first 3/4 days and then glorious sunshire afterwards! I booked through yourself at BanskoBlog.com, no complaints what so ever! Bansko Ski Mania the hire company are literally at the bottom of the slopes, friendly staff, excellent well serviced equipment. Lift passes were ready for us when we arrived and we could even pick them up the day before so no delays on our first day of skiing! Also an excellent saving on the prices we saw in resort! Thank you once again!” — Simon Froggatt (UK) “Impressed with the Blog” – Pete H (UK)
“Hi Lance, Just wanted to say thanks for a great blog, the recommendation for the hire shop — was brilliant, have skied in the US and Canada a lot but their kit was the best quality I’ve ever hired and comfiest ski boots, thanks!” — Nicky Addis
“Hi Lance, we were in Bansko in early Jan and did not have a bad meal in any of the Mehanas we ate in all reasonably priced. Really liked ‘Mehana Motikita’ and the Fancy Bar which we used as salvation coming off the ski road. Looking forward to coming back to Bansko next year. Keep up the excellent blog. ” — John Dutson (UK)
“Sorry to have missed seeing you. We made it to JJ Murphy’s but suspect we were alot earlier than you, boys were starving and tired after their skiing adventures. A great week’s skiing, and good service from BanskoSkiMania — thank you for sorting that all out.” — Richard Millman (UK) “Thanks for all the good advice!” — Charlie Joseph (UK)
Men
“Thanks for your help it’s much appreciated :)” – Pete Grant (UK)
“Hi Lance, I have been following your blogs since my girlfriend and I booked our holiday to Bansko (6/3/10) and I must say I’ve been very impressed. Very helpful site.” – Pete (UK) “Hi Lance just like to say thanks. Your Blog it is very helpfull, I have filled out the ski hire form you sent and wonderd if you could give me a price for my daughter to hire skis and boots and have lessons.” – Sean
“I am so happy that you have mention Lucky Bansko as one of the best hotels …Me and my family are coming this Sunday…Hope we will have great time. Have a nice day and thanks for all the information that you provide, it is very helpful” — Marta “thanks for the site – it’s really helpful!” — Chris Perryer (UK)
“Hi, thanks for your blog I have found it useful, and it made me want to try out Bansko before bringing a larger group next season.” — Anthony Constantinou (Greece)
“Hi Lance – good to see the u-tube vid of the Head ski test – you really need to use your knees more!” — Merv (UK)
“Hello Lance, first of all, I want to thank you all the information you have provided me. I’m a Spanish lawyer, Me and some friends of mine three years ago we bought several apartments in the complex Prespa. Last year we were in Bansko and we liked it very much. This year will certainly go again later this month. Thanks for all the information and continue talking.” — Sergio (Spain)
“Great blog, very useful information.” — Adrian Smith (UK) “Hi Lance, I have a apartment out in Bansko and love the place and think it’s great that you are making people aware of the few people out there who are trying to make a quick buck!!It could be such an amazing place if we all work together to make everyone’s holiday a better one. I have been 4 times now and have learnt the hard way about Bansko but I always have a good time with great snow! Thanks for the great site and keep up the good work.” — Aaron (UK)
“Just thought I would let you know that I bought boots (Head Edge+ 8.5) from the Head Test Centre on your recommendation even though I am a beginner. Stampi was awesome and my son (UK BASI Quailified) was impressed with his advice, he wouldn’t sell me the initial boots I tried as they were unsuitable although they felt fine to me! I was VERY impressed, thanks for your help!! …PS I got the 10% discount as well!” — Paul Barrett (UK) “Hi Lance, Thanks for the daily videos they are great. There are 3 of us coming out on the 4th of Feb and coming home on the monday 8th.” — Matt Fowler “Hi Lance, Thanks for the updates! Actually heading out to Bansko on Saturday for a week so it looks like we’ve hit the snow right on target! Great to read such positive snow reports in your blog today!”
“Hi Lance, Keep up the good work! My wife Chris and I went out to Bansko to our apartments in Mountain Dream over Christmas and New Year, ( if I’d known you were out there we could have met for a beer. ) This is just to say that I think your Banskoblog is very useful to all us Bansko fanatics and as I said keep up the good work.” – Kevin Elliot (UK)
“Lance, thankyou for all your information….I am really looking forward to bringing my family over to Bansko as we really want to experience the place and spend time exploring it all so your blogs are very informative.” – Nicola Cole “Hi Lance, Cheers for all the top info you’ve been sending to me over the last few days. Arriving in bansko late sat night so fingers crossed the conditions will be spot on for some top boarding on sunday” – Martin Williams (UK)
“Hi, Please find attached a booking form for ski hire, many thanks and keep up the good work” – Simon Frogatt (UK) “Hi Lance, I like the info! My partner has been a few times now and this time (Feb Half Term) he’s taking my son. GULP. All lessons have been booked in! Love the info on the mineral baths, I bet they will go there!” – Helen (UK)
“hi there, thank you for all your information.” – Nickola Cole (UK)
“Hi Lance, Thanks for the great blog!” – Susie and Jared (UK) “Hei Lance.. cool blog you have here.” – Jeppe
“Your blog is excellent. It’s fantastic to have an impartial report on snow conditions, queues and lifts. Keep up the good work.” –Simon “Your Bansko blog is a very interesting place. You’ve got an objective approach to the information which makes it a very valuable resource.” – Christian Nasulea (Romania)
“I wish you all good fortune with the increasing influence of BanskoBlog.com in the market place.” – Giles & Valerie Pitman (UK) ‘We really enjoy your Blogs~they keep us going when we can’t get to Bansko!!” – Peter Mayne (UK) “Thanks for your blog. I really enjoy it!” – Grainne McGurk (UK)
“Thank you creating such a wonderful website.” – Lyra Culverhouse (UK)
“First i should say that your blog about Bnasko is fantastic!!! Definitely something that Bansko missed past years. I am from Sofia, but i am also a great fan of Bansko from my early teenage years. I think your site is becoming not only useful for people going to Bansko but also for those staying in Bulgaria as general. I have talked with so many people that were put off from coming here, but only because they lacked some simple but essential information – such as transportation, accommodation etc. Really – great job!!!” – Philip Gologanov (Sofia, Bulgaria)
“Thanks Lance; this all looks very informative. Keep up the good work.” – Jan Reynolds (UK)
“Great site, and thanks for all the info, very informative. I like your Guide to Bansko – very comprehensive, and actually has useful info like names and addresses of places. I note you say you don’t mind the guide being forwarded, but would it be acceptable to print it off and place in an apartment info folder – obviously crediting yourself, to go with my own stuff?” – Carlo (UK) …Lance says: Thanks! Yes, everyone is welcome to print out the Bansko guide and place in apartments. “Love your blog. Keep up the gr8 work and look forward to hearing from you soon.” – Ciara McCabe (Ireland) “Your blog is most informative. Thanks. ” – Richard Beynon (UK).
“We own an apartment in White Fir Valley, overlooking the course. … Thanks for a great site, we glean much information from you” – Liz, (UK) “Seems like a nice website with fresh new articles on Bansko & the area!” – Milen (Sofia)
“Thanks for all the great info, its really useful. Keep up the great service” – Paddy & Ann Redmond (Ireland) “Hi Lance, Just came across your site this morning and I am delighted. I have joined your Bansko Blog. I am going with my wife to Bansko for a month on July 21st, and I am looking forward to the Jazz Festival. Thank you for the Programme. I have an apartment in Bansko and have been skiing there for the past three years. Apart from skiing, one of my hobbies is songwriting so I have attached my Bansko song to let you hear it. Looking forward to future blogs,” – Michael Green (Ireland)
“We had an excellent ski trip to Bansko this year and intend to do the same again next February. I’ve seen on your website that you will soon have a forthcoming events notice but do you know if there are any major ski competitions scheduled for February next year?  We want to avoid the UK schools mid-term break but also crowds if possible. Thanks again for all you do – reading the website is like visiting again!” – Dick Martin (UK) “Good site very professional” – Patrice Cogels (Belgium)
“Many thanks and keep up the good work, very helpful” – Kim Riseborough (UK)
“Hi Lance, Great blog you’re having here, tons of useful info about Bulgaria and Bansko…” – Krasimir Dyakov (Sofia, Bulgaria) “Hi Lance, Just a quick mail. I hope you are well. Keep up the good work on the site!” – Rory Clerkin (UK) “Keep the blog going. It has helped me a lot.” – Joe Chisholm (UK)
“Hi Lance, I just came on your site by accident, its great to get as much information as possible. I went to Bansko 5 years ago to see about buying an apt and I finally managed to move into it last month!! Like you, I have seen great changes in the town, not all for the best, but with so much development going on I expect this was bound to happen. It is such a beautiful area and the people are so nice, I hope they don’t get fed up with all the newcomers taking up part-time residence. I will keep in touch, keep up the good work.” – Enda Monk (UK)
“Hi Lance, thank you for your updates, the information you and your site provide is very useful.” – Steve Tilney (UK)
“Have had a good look at your blog, its great thanks, we are going to our apartment in Bansko for the first time on an early Tuesday easyjet flight.” – Kevin Wood (UK)
“Very informative site by the way!” – Gary Romans (UK)
“Thanks Lance, all very interesting. Excellent mehana in my opinion is DedoYonkata, on left at top of Pirin Street – always been pretty good food and service. Keep up the good work.” – Alison Glennon (UK)
“Dear Lance, Just joined your blog, very interesting.” – Colin Morris (UK)
“Hi Lance, I just wanted to say what a fantastic job you are doing I love the guide. I will definitely type up some restaurant reviews for you, we have been coming out for the last 3 years and have an apartment we are usually out 5 or 6 times a year so will keep sending reviews etc, Cheers” – Karen Martin (UK) “The information provided by Lance was very useful”
Darren McFarlane (UK) “I find your blog most interesting and informative.” – Deborah Bates (UK)
“Thanks again for all the information you have passed. It is appreciated. Many Thanks” – Jennie King (UK) “All the information was very helpful.. thanks again and see you in April” – Serap Marsan (Istanbul, Turkey). For Serap’s audio review click play [audio:https://www.fileden.com/files/2008/11/28/2203699/rec_serap.marsan_24_Mar_2009_17_06_2.mp3] “Thanks for some really useful information in your blog Lance. I’m in Bansko right now for my first time and you have inspired me to create my own blog to document the experience!” – Steve Farrall (UK)
================================================================= facebook twitter ================================================================= Accommodation : Guest Reviews “What a week we watched the free Jazz Fest every day, a little hiking and swimming and Belitsa bear sanctuary. All the tips really helped us — and the apartment on this site was very comfortable” – G Giorgiu, Thessaloniki (Greece) August 09
“…Your apartment is furnished to the highest standards and has all amenities needed to make a pleasant and comfortable stay. It is perfectly located few steps away from the gondola and from our favourite Happy End bar, perfect for post-skiing relaxation and dancing. Bansko has a lot to offer for summer tourism as well, and we are looking very much forward to spending the next weekend at your apartment, enjoying the greenery this time. Thank you very much again” Ivanka (Sofia). May’09 “We are Bulgarians from Sofia and we have been many times in Bansko but I must say that the conditions that you offered were the best in our experience up to now. Our holiday in Bansko took part between 01 and 05 of April ’09. The apartment house is built in a modern stile with flavour of traditional Bulgarian architecture. The location is convenient – very near the gondola station. We liked the apartment very much – large, luxury furnished, clean and quite. And the price was very affordable. This was all we need :-)…. So Lance, thanks to you, we have spent a fantastic holiday in Bansko! I will recommend your offer to all my friends. Looking forward to our next meeting 
” Emil Raskovski, Sofia (Bulgaria). April 2009 “On holiday in Bansko, Bulgaria. We are staying at this very nice, but very affordable apartment: https://banskoblog.com/bansko-accommodation” – Koos Jan Schouten, Sofia (Bulgaria) – via Facebook 18 March 2009 “had a great time in bansko…great apartment …very professional slopes….good organization with gondola, lifts, ski schools etc…good food….cheap prices….what would you expect more from a ski vacation? we had ALL even more…:). Thanx very much for your help again and again Lance….” – Sevgul Oztavman, Istanbul (Turkey) Feb 2009 “thanks for the great apartment… We really had a good time in Bansko” – Serap Marsan, Istanbul (Turkey) Feb 2009 “The Mountain Residence 3 (now Winslow Residence) apartment was smart, clean and very close to the gondola.”- Thomas Phillips, London (UK). Feb 2009 “Hi Lance, have just got back – all was great the apartment was lovely, great position and just what we needed.” – Mark Dudley, Gloucs (UK) Feb 2009 “The apartment is excellent and Mountain Residence 3 has great positioning indeed! I’ll recommend it to my friends…..One of the best part about it is the positioning: it’s 3 minutes walk from the gondola, 5 minutes walk from the center of the town.” -Emil Comsea , Bucharest, (Romania) Jan 2009 “We had a perfect holiday in Mountain Residence 3. The two bed apartment was very comfortable and spacious. Being so close to the gondola meant a stress free start to the day and at the end of day jacuzzi was just what was needed to unwind. Thanks for all the info and look forward to staying again in 2009. Best Regards.” – Patrick Bell, Manchester, UK (April 2008) “The ski instruction was tops and Mark even got down the tomba black run whilst i finally got to do a tandem paraglide – amazing…. arrive with friends next year. thanks again for your apartment which was just right.” – Jane Sipson & family, Wandsworth, London, UK (March 08) “thanks very much, everything was very comfortable and staff were helpful” (October 08) – Simeon Kristoff, Ealing, London, UK (Feb 08) =============================================================================================== The long road to writing about Bansko is littered with potholes. And I am certain I’ve fallen into more than a few. And like the hub cap spinning off the wheel into the ditch, there will be times when the articles diverge from all things Bansko and, sometimes, Bulgaria. But this is not only a personal journey of what I find. This is also the place where others write about their Bansko or their Bulgarian experiences. For these contributions, I am particularly grateful. Correct It If Its Wrong If you read something here that you believe is wrong, or just out of date, then please comment. Please comment if you agree, disagree — or have more to add. If you have a good, or bad, experience then please let me know. …Feedback always sought on transfers, exploring Bulgaria, restaurants, wine, beer, gentleman’s clubs, bars, off piste, ski / board hire, off piste, golf, lessons, excursions, Sofia, places, events etc. If you’re a business owner, take a look at options available to sponsor this blog. Your stories, pictures and comments always include attribution. I always link to your web site if you have one. Bansko Twitter & Facebook If you use twitter and facebook to help search for useful info or just keep in contact, then you’ll find BanskoBlog pages and groups on these.
Twitter is now a useful source of info, and you’ll see @bansko retweeting snow reports, events and news that will help us all enjoy our time in Bansko, or Bulgaria generally. Twitter for 09/10 season : send your restaurant and bar reviews — I will retweet to all @bansko followers. Together we can help others avoid rip offs and also to reward quality.
Blog And Guide Testimonials This is the place where I feel compelled to apologise. Because I’m listing some of your kind comments. I’m very grateful to have received these and I put them here so to help me keep working hard to improve the site. Many thanks! Advertising Rent your home on this site. Lots of options and easy payment terms here: https://banskoblog.com/advertise-bansko/
Or if you are looking to rent a holiday home in Bansko, why not support the owners’ advertising here? Take a look here: https://banskoblog.com/bansko-accommodation/ ===============================================================================================
Bansko Plateau: February 2012
Click on image to download iphone app
“Hi Lance, just to say I was really please to see your latest You Tube feed yesterday, made me feel much more confident about the conditions next week after feeling slightly nervous I have to say. Really looking forward to it now, so thanks for posting this stuff, it really helps.” — Stephen Knight, March 2012 “Hi Lance, Just wanted to thank you for all your help with the planning for our ski hols last week. SkiMania were great and the lift passes booked in advance a real saving. Never seen snow like it and the skiing by all accounts was fantastic. Sorry we never managed to catch up with you in person but hope to be back in the summer and promise you a pint then!” — Claire Kett, March 2012
Bansko pistes
[video_lightbox_youtube video_id=OlkecO04k2Y width=640 height=480 anchor=YY]
Click on image to download iphone app
“Great app… works on the ipad no problems , excellent very good indeed… looking fwd to getting to bankso now .. 2 sleeps ” — Richard W, February 2012 “Great app! Thank you.” — Adrian F, February 2012 “Thank you for your very useful app” — Michael, February 2012
“That’s seriously cool. I’ve downloaded it.” (reference iphone app) — Ian M (via email), February 2012 “This is FANTASTIC!!!! Brilliant Thank You! :-)” (reference Bansko Blog App) – Rachel M (via facebook) February 2012 “@bansko great job. Love it” (reference: Bansko Blog App) — Aaron S (via twitter) February 2012 “@bansko nice app! Might come in more use one day when I come back.” — Ian M, (via twitter) February 2012 “@bansko thank you. Great blog by the way. It has helped me loads in planning my #bansko trips.” — James February 2012 (via twitter; follow @bansko) “Hello Lance, Thanks for the Blog, we are finding it really helpful especially as our holiday draws nearer. We’ve been coming to Bansko for about six years now, this year our four old daughter will hopefully be on the slopes too…” — Mark S, February 2012 “Thanks Lance. I really loved Bansko, that’s why I want to go back and thank you so much for all the help with booking everything. I hope to go back in March again and will be in touch regarding making all the arrangements.” — Maddie W, February 2012 “Hi Lance, We all had a great holiday. Good snow and good food! Everything went to plan. Thanks for being helpful and sorting out any issues we had. ” — Darrell M (UK), February 2012 “@bansko your tweets are fantastic can’t wait to be there again next year please keep the pictures coming brightens up my day!” — Dan Williams via @bansko (UK) “Hi Lance, Just wanted to say a huge thanks for your help in arranging ski equipment, lessons, passes and transfers for us last week. Ski Mania were excellent, the lessons the children had were really good and only 3 of them in the class! We will definitely be coming back to Bansko next year as it’s a perfect location for a family ski holiday at the right price! We had great food all week but Victoria deserves a special mention as it was really nice. Many Thanks.” — Paul (UK) “Hi Lance, heading to Bansko at the beginning of February for a couple of weeks and will be our second trip. Have learnt plenty of good advise and tips from your excellent blog.” — Chris Vaughan (UK) “Lance, I am now back in the UK. Sometimes it’s always easy to write a letter/e-mail when things have gone wrong etc. However, I am a believer in ensuring that communication is sent went things go perfectly as well. Having not dealt with anyone in Bulgaria before, it is always a ‘concern’ that “What if it all goes wrong”. I should have trusted myself more. We arrived at the airport to a nice welcome, followed by great (and informative) transfer to Bansko. Ski Mania could not have been more helpful. The return transfer was prompt and excellent. Totally perfect. If you require a ‘testimonial’ for your potential UK clients, let me know and I will provide as from my experience, BanskoBlog have got it sorted. Just one point that maybe worth considering. We didn’t store our Skis at SkiMania as they didn’t open until 8am, by which time the lift queue was building. We chose to set off early and arrive for 7:45am to find nearly no queue at all which leads to a great start to the day. I reckon Ski-Mania could offer a service ( and charge for it ) that allows daily collection of Skis from 7:30am. I believe people would pay a little supplement for this. Just a thought.” — David Brereton (UK) 13th January 2012 LANCE REPLIES. Thank you David. Re ski shop opening SkiMania ARE open at 07:50 every morning and will open earlier (07:30 is fine) on request. NO CHARGE for this. Please note some of the Bansko hire places do not open until 08:30!“Lance, Just had the 2nd day of skiing which has been perfect. 1st time in deep powder. The 1 to 1 coaching is a must. I too want to carve like the instructors… my skiing has come on leaps and bounds in a short time. Hopefully meet up in bar this week or next.” — William Steele in Bansko; 6th January 2012. “Hi Lance, I have just returned back from my holiday in Bansko. My family and I had a super time. I just wanted you to know that we were all extremely pleased with SkiMania. The staff in the ski shop were very friendly & approachable and very helpful, which was so important to us as it was our first time there. I was also very impressed with the quality of the equipment. The Ski instructors we had (Kalin & Nick) were also very friendly and polite and again we all thoroughly enjoyed our lessons! Excellent service!! Bansko is a super place and we will definitely be spreading the word to our friends and customers and we will for sure be coming back next year!! Anyway, thanks again for all your help and advice….keep up the good work!!!! — Liz Morgan (UK) “Thanks Lance , A great email , You really do keep us updated, its quality. Im always keeping my eye on the web cam , I check it everyday.Thanks for trying to help me when I contacted you over me breaking my tooth last month, I appreciated it.Its all sorted now. Snow looks awesome, we might try to get out in March . Take care and thanks again.” — Jayne Bradbury (UK) “Hi Lance. Been watching your blog for some time and decided to do a week in Bansko (Dec 2011) and WOW. Stopped at the Grand Montana, and got to say what a brilliant and beautyiful place bansko is. AS avid snowboarder for nearly 25 yrs and been to some places(Italy, France etc) but none as friendly as Bansko. Went to Sopranos in Happy End bar and was well impressed. quality and quantity paramount. Also visited many of the local small resturants in the village and what a warm welcome we got. Nice to see the runs are opening. We arrived at the start of the season on Saturday with all the Fireworks etc, but was a little disapointed with only 2 runs open. saying that it did dump a massive amount onSunday which made it more fun on the slopes. Will be back next year but around the end of jan-Feb 12. meanwhile i am looking at property prices, maybe buy a property, so great to see some handy hints on security, any hints on requirements and laws on buying property in Bansko would be a great help. Happy New year to you Lance and Bansko. keep up the BanskoBlog.” — Roy (UK) “Fab, Fab, Fab. Just leaving now for the marathon drive. Can’t wait to get there. Thanks for all of your help, you’ve been great.” — Tracey Gayle (Athens, Greece) “Hello Lance, it’s Anestis from Athens… thanks for the awesome updates from bansko! I’m planning a trip for a party of 4, (including me). I’ve just filled in your excel sheet with all our classes and equipment! Have a look and let me know. We are planning to start driving the next day after Christmas.” — Anestis (Greece) “Hi Lance, Firstly I just want to say how helpful your website is! I’m thinking of booking an extra ski trip this year but I’d be traveling solo so I’ve been researching more than I normally would to minimise any unknowns that may crop up whilst I’m out there and your site has been super!…” — Lois de Lacey “Hi Lance, I’m Anestis from Athens. Great job on the bansko blog… we really appreciate keeping us informed on our favourite Balkan ski resort!!” — Anestis Iliadis (Athens, Greece) “I have found the blog and information you have provided invaluable as this will be my first visit to Bansko.” — Justin Martin (UK) “Hi Lance, Thanks for all your really helpful E-mails about bansko, we are really looking forward to going for New year. I have enclosed our booking form for both ski and snowboard hire as well as a transfer from Sofia.” — Karin Al-Shammaa (UK) “Hi Lance, I’ve been using your site for a couple of trips to Bansko now – it’s the best resource for Bansko information on the web!” — Bradley Phipps (UK) “Thanks for the email – enjoying these updates as I can’t wait to get out there in January after my big final medical exams!” — David Budd (UK)
“Dear Mr. Nelson, I got your e-mail from your terrific website Bansko Blog. It’s a good source for people like us, who will come to Bansko from abroad.” — Balkan Sencan (Turkey)
“Firstly can I say that I enjoy reading your very informative Blog on Bansko which I often forward to my friends and family. Keep up the good work!” — Michael M Hi Lance, great to get your emails it brightens my day thinking about Bansko and all the many friends we have made…” — Teresa S (UK) “So far so good – friendly efficient service from Lance – and everything sorted in one place – very easy!” — Adrian Cull (UK)
“Hi Lance, I just want to say a big thanks for a great, easy and trustworthy site. We hired our equipment through you and you were quick, efficient and the guys at Bansko Ski Mania were always friendly and helpful. I can’t believe how cheap it was! Thanks again, I will definitely be recommending you to any friends going to Bansko!” — Susie (UK) “Lance, would just like to say how much we enjoyed our ski holiday. It was everything that we wanted for first timers. Cannot fault your recommendations either, especially Ski Mania, the two lads and the young lady in the shop were absolutely fantastic. …We will almost certainly go again, when I am not sure, but again will be a must. I would also like to endorse the transfer company, excellent, Philip could not have been more helpful and Gorgio our driver almost became one of the family, great. We will certainly pass on the word. Regards,” — Gordon (UK) “Lance, We have recently returned from our holiday and would like to thank you for your help with equipment hire and ski lessons arranged with Ski Mania. George and his team could not have been more helpful or more pleasant which greatly enhanced our holiday experience.. You even managed to arrange a lovely fall of snow just as we arrived. Couldn’t be better! We hope to be able to use your services again next year. Enjoy the rest of the season. Many thanks” — Eileen C. Kerr (UK) “Hi Lance, Our skiing holiday was absolutely brilliant. We enjoyed six days of fresh snow and nearly empty red runs. Thanks for all your help.” — Sara Williams (UK) “Hi Lance, Just to let you know that we had a fantastic week in Bansko last week. It has to be one of the best skiing holidays we have had. The weather and ski conditions were brilliant and the atmosphere at the weekend with the Men’s downhill was good fun. We got the student lift pass discount just by dates of birth, they didn’t query it at all. Everything was ok except on the 2nd day they got a little confused with our stuff and gave my son the wrong boots which we didn’t realise until we had got up the mountain!!! All was fine as our ski instructor adjusted the ski’s for him. Thanks for all your help with everything, we will definitely be back next year.” Kind regards — Liz Mann (UK) “Hey, Great site. Really helpful info thank you. I’m heading to Bansko in March. Do you have an updated “getting the best guide” Thanks” — Liam Thomas “…By the way Bansko Blog is great i am on here every day, its now the only weather forecast and update that i trust. Great Work” — Daniel Forward (UK) “The blog has been really helpful in the lead up to our holiday and we are all very happy to see you are finally getting a bit of snow.” — George Adamson (UK) 
“Lance, Many thanks for your prompt service as usual. Looking forward to next week, fingers crossed for a dump of snow on the weekend.” — Steve Lewis (UK) “Hi Lance, The trip was fantastic and everything went off without a problem. The driver was great and it worked out cheap between three. The ski hire was good too and the guys were really nice and charming taking our skiis immediately and bringing us all our equipment every morning with a smile but the person we most wanted to highlight was the ski instructor mario: he was, by all accounts, a fantastic teacher and also a really nice bloke and Alice was really happy with her lessons. So, thanks for all your help and if you want to know about anything else don’t hesitate to drop me an email.” — James Allen (UK) “Hello Lance, Please find attached a booking form for 5 days VIP ski, boot and pole hire and 5 Full day group lessons. I’d like to pre pay by credit card. Many thanks, terrific site BanksoBlog and great advice too from SkiMania, All the best” — Fiona Burn (UK) “I can’t wait to get there! Will be mine and my wifes first real snowboard trip where we actually know how to snowboard (we are from Australia and only saw snow for the first time in our lives this year) so your blog is keeping me going until I get there! I’m not sure if everyone would like a snow update each day, but I know I sure would! I religiously check your blog each morning hoping you have put up a new post about the conditions that day. Even if its just a written one or two line paragraph and a photo, I would be happy. Other than that, thanks for all the great info you put on it. Regards” — Joel Scully (UK)
28th February 2011
“Hi Lance, We returned to UK on Boxing day after a short delay at Sofia. Without exception we all enjoyed a wonderful week of skiing. As beginners, we were able to ski every day as the nursery slope, 1 blue run and the snow road were open for the duration of our visit. Thanks for all your help in getting the lessons and equipment booked. As you said in your blog, George is very helpful and the skimania were extremely helpful, friendly and patient. Mario, our instructor, was perfect and demonstrated how to get seven non-skiers onto the slopes and confident in less than three days. By the third day we were able to ski down the snow road and on the fourth day went down several times on our own. The holiday was perfect and a great start to the Christmas season and we all have great memories of our accomplishments. We are even considering doing the same again next year!! Thanks once again to you and your contacts for giving us such a great experience. All the very best for the rest of the season to your and everyone over there.” — Milton (UK), 28th December 2010 “Excellent Lance, many thanks for sorting this out so quickly. If I find out anything useful, I’ll be sure to report back.” Mick Ayers (UK) “very impressed with your site & twitter etc which is very informative – great work!” Joanne Auld (UK) “Lance, Thanks, very much appreciated. I’ll have no doubt found your blog very useful by the end of January so more than happy to recommend you.” — Dave Smith (UK) “Hi Lance, Great blog! A few quick questions: 1. Do you have any info on transfers from Plovdiv? how is the bus/train services? 2. Im looking for a place for 2 people (might change to 4, all beginners) around mid february, can you send some info on prices and availability? 3.In order to get the discount on hire and tuition, Do I have to book by the end of November? Many Thanks” — Arik (UK)
“Dear Lance, I am sending you the booking form. Just notify us when to pay by. Thanks for being so helpful, cheers! Sincerely, Ivana & Viktor (Serbia)
“Thank you for the advice, and maybe we will cross paths on the piste this year 🙂 All the best, Rob.” — Rob Bowden (UK)
“Hi Lance, Just to say thank you for recommending Vas for ski instruction. Not only did my skiing improve but also my networking with all the young girls that were on the slopes and in the town improved considerably. The only problem I had was that due my age I had to introduce myself as his father, but I had a great three days in his company. It was so good to speak to you as the blog has been so useful to me and my family. Thanks again” — John King (UK) “Hi Lance; We just arrived back yesterday (March 23) from Bansko! It was a good experience and we have good weather and good snow (except Sunday and Monday), were the snow was very difficult and sometimes tricky. Anyhow it was a good stay! Thanks for your blog and indications.” — Tomaz Crespo (Portugal) “Hi Lance, first of all may I thank you so very much for arranging our lift passes and equipment hire, everything ran smoothly and arriving on 8th March we had an incredible week! Snowing constantly for the first 3/4 days and then glorious sunshire afterwards! I booked through yourself at BanskoBlog.com, no complaints what so ever! Bansko Ski Mania the hire company are literally at the bottom of the slopes, friendly staff, excellent well serviced equipment. Lift passes were ready for us when we arrived and we could even pick them up the day before so no delays on our first day of skiing! Also an excellent saving on the prices we saw in resort! Thank you once again!” — Simon Froggatt (UK) “Impressed with the Blog” – Pete H (UK) “Hi Lance, Just wanted to say thanks for a great blog, the recommendation for the hire shop — was brilliant, have skied in the US and Canada a lot but their kit was the best quality I’ve ever hired and comfiest ski boots, thanks!” — Nicky Addis
“Hi Lance, we were in Bansko in early Jan and did not have a bad meal in any of the Mehanas we ate in all reasonably priced. Really liked ‘Mehana Motikita’ and the Fancy Bar which we used as salvation coming off the ski road. Looking forward to coming back to Bansko next year. Keep up the excellent blog. ” — John Dutson (UK) “Sorry to have missed seeing you. We made it to JJ Murphy’s but suspect we were alot earlier than you, boys were starving and tired after their skiing adventures. A great week’s skiing, and good service from BanskoSkiMania — thank you for sorting that all out.” — Richard Millman (UK) “Thanks for all the good advice!” — Charlie Joseph (UK)
Men
“Thanks for your help it’s much appreciated :)” – Pete Grant (UK) “Hi Lance, I have been following your blogs since my girlfriend and I booked our holiday to Bansko (6/3/10) and I must say I’ve been very impressed. Very helpful site.” – Pete (UK) “Hi Lance just like to say thanks. Your Blog it is very helpfull, I have filled out the ski hire form you sent and wonderd if you could give me a price for my daughter to hire skis and boots and have lessons.” – Sean “I am so happy that you have mention Lucky Bansko as one of the best hotels …Me and my family are coming this Sunday…Hope we will have great time. Have a nice day and thanks for all the information that you provide, it is very helpful” — Marta “thanks for the site – it’s really helpful!” — Chris Perryer (UK) “Hi, thanks for your blog I have found it useful, and it made me want to try out Bansko before bringing a larger group next season.” — Anthony Constantinou (Greece) “Hi Lance – good to see the u-tube vid of the Head ski test – you really need to use your knees more!” — Merv (UK) “Hello Lance, first of all, I want to thank you all the information you have provided me. I’m a Spanish lawyer, Me and some friends of mine three years ago we bought several apartments in the complex Prespa. Last year we were in Bansko and we liked it very much. This year will certainly go again later this month. Thanks for all the information and continue talking.” — Sergio (Spain) “Great blog, very useful information.” — Adrian Smith (UK) “Hi Lance, I have a apartment out in Bansko and love the place and think it’s great that you are making people aware of the few people out there who are trying to make a quick buck!!It could be such an amazing place if we all work together to make everyone’s holiday a better one. I have been 4 times now and have learnt the hard way about Bansko but I always have a good time with great snow! Thanks for the great site and keep up the good work.” — Aaron (UK) “Just thought I would let you know that I bought boots (Head Edge+ 8.5) from the Head Test Centre on your recommendation even though I am a beginner. Stampi was awesome and my son (UK BASI Quailified) was impressed with his advice, he wouldn’t sell me the initial boots I tried as they were unsuitable although they felt fine to me! I was VERY impressed, thanks for your help!! …PS I got the 10% discount as well!” — Paul Barrett (UK) “Hi Lance, Thanks for the daily videos they are great. There are 3 of us coming out on the 4th of Feb and coming home on the monday 8th.” — Matt Fowler “Hi Lance, Thanks for the updates! Actually heading out to Bansko on Saturday for a week so it looks like we’ve hit the snow right on target! Great to read such positive snow reports in your blog today!”
“Hi Lance, Keep up the good work! My wife Chris and I went out to Bansko to our apartments in Mountain Dream over Christmas and New Year, ( if I’d known you were out there we could have met for a beer. ) This is just to say that I think your Banskoblog is very useful to all us Bansko fanatics and as I said keep up the good work.” – Kevin Elliot (UK) “Lance, thankyou for all your information….I am really looking forward to bringing my family over to Bansko as we really want to experience the place and spend time exploring it all so your blogs are very informative.” – Nicola Cole “Hi Lance, Cheers for all the top info you’ve been sending to me over the last few days. Arriving in bansko late sat night so fingers crossed the conditions will be spot on for some top boarding on sunday” – Martin Williams (UK) “Hi, Please find attached a booking form for ski hire, many thanks and keep up the good work” – Simon Frogatt (UK) “Hi Lance, I like the info! My partner has been a few times now and this time (Feb Half Term) he’s taking my son. GULP. All lessons have been booked in! Love the info on the mineral baths, I bet they will go there!” – Helen (UK) “hi there, thank you for all your information.” – Nickola Cole (UK) “Hi Lance, Thanks for the great blog!” – Susie and Jared (UK) “Hei Lance.. cool blog you have here.” – Jeppe “Your blog is excellent. It’s fantastic to have an impartial report on snow conditions, queues and lifts. Keep up the good work.” –Simon “Your Bansko blog is a very interesting place. You’ve got an objective approach to the information which makes it a very valuable resource.” – Christian Nasulea (Romania) “I wish you all good fortune with the increasing influence of BanskoBlog.com in the market place.” – Giles & Valerie Pitman (UK) ‘We really enjoy your Blogs~they keep us going when we can’t get to Bansko!!” – Peter Mayne (UK) “Thanks for your blog. I really enjoy it!” – Grainne McGurk (UK)
“Thank you creating such a wonderful website.” – Lyra Culverhouse (UK) “First i should say that your blog about Bnasko is fantastic!!! Definitely something that Bansko missed past years. I am from Sofia, but i am also a great fan of Bansko from my early teenage years. I think your site is becoming not only useful for people going to Bansko but also for those staying in Bulgaria as general. I have talked with so many people that were put off from coming here, but only because they lacked some simple but essential information – such as transportation, accommodation etc. Really – great job!!!” – Philip Gologanov (Sofia, Bulgaria) “Thanks Lance; this all looks very informative. Keep up the good work.” – Jan Reynolds (UK) “Great site, and thanks for all the info, very informative. I like your Guide to Bansko – very comprehensive, and actually has useful info like names and addresses of places. I note you say you don’t mind the guide being forwarded, but would it be acceptable to print it off and place in an apartment info folder – obviously crediting yourself, to go with my own stuff?” – Carlo (UK) …Lance says: Thanks! Yes, everyone is welcome to print out the Bansko guide and place in apartments. “Love your blog. Keep up the gr8 work and look forward to hearing from you soon.” – Ciara McCabe (Ireland) “Your blog is most informative. Thanks. ” – Richard Beynon (UK). “We own an apartment in White Fir Valley, overlooking the course. … Thanks for a great site, we glean much information from you” – Liz, (UK) “Seems like a nice website with fresh new articles on Bansko & the area!” – Milen (Sofia) “Thanks for all the great info, its really useful. Keep up the great service” – Paddy & Ann Redmond (Ireland) “Hi Lance, Just came across your site this morning and I am delighted. I have joined your Bansko Blog. I am going with my wife to Bansko for a month on July 21st, and I am looking forward to the Jazz Festival. Thank you for the Programme.  I have an apartment in Bansko and have been skiing there for the past three years. Apart from skiing, one of my hobbies is songwriting so I have attached my Bansko song to let you hear it. Looking forward to future blogs,” – Michael Green (Ireland) “We had an excellent ski trip to Bansko this year and intend to do the same again next February. I’ve seen on your website that you will soon have a forthcoming events notice but do you know if there are any major ski competitions scheduled for February next year?  We want to avoid the UK schools mid-term break but also crowds if possible. Thanks again for all you do – reading the website is like visiting again!” – Dick Martin (UK) “Good site very professional” – Patrice Cogels (Belgium) “Many thanks and keep up the good work, very helpful” – Kim Riseborough (UK) “Hi Lance, Great blog you’re having here, tons of useful info about Bulgaria and Bansko…” – Krasimir Dyakov (Sofia, Bulgaria) “Hi Lance, Just a quick mail. I hope you are well. Keep up the good work on the site!” – Rory Clerkin (UK) “Keep the blog going. It has helped me a lot.” – Joe Chisholm (UK) “Hi Lance, I just came on your site by accident, its great to get as much information as possible. I went to Bansko 5 years ago to see about buying an apt and I finally managed to move into it last month!! Like you, I have seen great changes in the town, not all for the best, but with so much development going on I expect this was bound to happen. It is such a beautiful area and the people are so nice, I hope they don’t get fed up with all the newcomers taking up part-time residence. I will keep in touch, keep up the good work.” – Enda Monk (UK) “Hi Lance, thank you for your updates, the information you and your site provide is very useful.” – Steve Tilney (UK) “Have had a good look at your blog, its great thanks, we are going to our apartment in Bansko for the first time on an early Tuesday easyjet flight.” – Kevin Wood (UK) “Very informative site by the way!” – Gary Romans (UK) “Thanks Lance, all very interesting. Excellent mehana in my opinion is DedoYonkata, on left at top of Pirin Street – always been pretty good food and service. Keep up the good work.” – Alison Glennon (UK) “Dear Lance, Just joined your blog, very interesting.” – Colin Morris (UK) “Hi Lance, I just wanted to say what a fantastic job you are doing I love the guide. I will definitely type up some restaurant reviews for you, we have been coming out for the last 3 years and have an apartment we are usually out 5 or 6 times a year so will keep sending reviews etc, Cheers” – Karen Martin (UK) “The information provided by Lance was very useful” Darren McFarlane (UK) “I find your blog most interesting and informative.” – Deborah Bates (UK) “Thanks again for all the information you have passed. It is appreciated. Many Thanks” – Jennie King (UK) “All the information was very helpful.. thanks again and see you in April” – Serap Marsan (Istanbul, Turkey). For Serap’s audio review click play [audio:https://www.fileden.com/files/2008/11/28/2203699/rec_serap.marsan_24_Mar_2009_17_06_2.mp3] “Thanks for some really useful information in your blog Lance. I’m in Bansko right now for my first time and you have inspired me to create my own blog to document the experience!” – Steve Farrall (UK) ================================================================= facebook twitter ================================================================= Accommodation : Guest Reviews “What a week we watched the free Jazz Fest every day, a little hiking and swimming and Belitsa bear sanctuary. All the tips really helped us — and the apartment on this site was very comfortable” – G Giorgiu, Thessaloniki (Greece) August 09 “…Your apartment is furnished to the highest standards and has all amenities needed to make a pleasant and comfortable stay. It is perfectly located few steps away from the gondola and from our favourite Happy End bar, perfect for post-skiing relaxation and dancing. Bansko has a lot to offer for summer tourism as well, and we are looking very much forward to spending the next weekend at your apartment, enjoying the greenery this time. Thank you very much again” Ivanka (Sofia). May’09 “We are Bulgarians from Sofia and we have been many times in Bansko but I must say that the conditions that you offered were the best in our experience up to now. Our holiday in Bansko took part between 01 and 05 of April ’09. The apartment house is built in a modern stile with flavour of traditional Bulgarian architecture. The location is convenient – very near the gondola station. We liked the apartment very much – large, luxury furnished, clean and quite. And the price was very affordable. This was all we need :-)…. So Lance, thanks to you, we have spent a fantastic holiday in Bansko! I will recommend your offer to all my friends. Looking forward to our next meeting ” Emil Raskovski, Sofia (Bulgaria). April 2009 “On holiday in Bansko, Bulgaria. We are staying at this very nice, but very affordable apartment: https://banskoblog.com/bansko-accommodation” – Koos Jan Schouten, Sofia (Bulgaria) – via Facebook 18 March 2009 “had a great time in bansko…great apartment …very professional slopes….good organization with gondola, lifts, ski schools etc…good food….cheap prices….what would you expect more from a ski vacation? we had ALL even more…:). Thanx very much for your help again and again Lance….” – Sevgul Oztavman, Istanbul (Turkey) Feb 2009 “thanks for the great apartment… We really had a good time in Bansko” – Serap Marsan, Istanbul (Turkey) Feb 2009 “The Mountain Residence 3 (now Winslow Residence) apartment was smart, clean and very close to the gondola.”- Thomas Phillips, London (UK). Feb 2009 “Hi Lance, have just got back – all was great the apartment was lovely, great position and just what we needed.” – Mark Dudley, Gloucs (UK) Feb 2009 “The apartment is excellent and Mountain Residence 3 has great positioning indeed! I’ll recommend it to my friends…..One of the best part about it is the positioning: it’s 3 minutes walk from the gondola, 5 minutes walk from the center of the town.” -Emil Comsea , Bucharest, (Romania) Jan 2009 “We had a perfect holiday in Mountain Residence 3. The two bed apartment was very comfortable and spacious. Being so close to the gondola meant a stress free start to the day and at the end of day jacuzzi was just what was needed to unwind. Thanks for all the info and look forward to staying again in 2009. Best Regards.” – Patrick Bell, Manchester, UK (April 2008) “The ski instruction was tops and Mark even got down the tomba black run whilst i finally got to do a tandem paraglide – amazing…. arrive with friends next year. thanks again for your apartment which was just right.” – Jane Sipson & family, Wandsworth, London, UK (March 08) “thanks very much, everything was very comfortable and staff were helpful” (October 08) – Simeon Kristoff, Ealing, London, UK (Feb 08) =============================================================================================== The long road to writing about Bansko is littered with potholes. And I am certain I’ve fallen into more than a few. And like the hub cap spinning off the wheel into the ditch, there will be times when the articles diverge from all things Bansko and, sometimes, Bulgaria. But this is not only a personal journey of what I find. This is also the place where others write about their Bansko or their Bulgarian experiences. For these contributions, I am particularly grateful. Correct It If Its Wrong If you read something here that you believe is wrong, or just out of date, then please comment. Please comment if you agree, disagree — or have more to add. If you have a good, or bad, experience then please let me know. …Feedback always sought on transfers, exploring Bulgaria, restaurants, wine, beer, gentleman’s clubs, bars, off piste, ski / board hire, off piste, golf, lessons, excursions, Sofia, places, events etc. If you’re a business owner, take a look at options available to sponsor this blog. Your stories, pictures and comments always include attribution. I always link to your web site if you have one. Bansko Twitter & Facebook If you use twitter and facebook to help search for useful info or just keep in contact, then you’ll find BanskoBlog pages and groups on these. Twitter is now a useful source of info, and you’ll see @bansko retweeting snow reports, events and news that will help us all enjoy our time in Bansko, or Bulgaria generally. Twitter for 09/10 season : send your restaurant and bar reviews — I will retweet to all @bansko followers. Together we can help others avoid rip offs and also to reward quality. Blog And Guide Testimonials This is the place where I feel compelled to apologise. Because I’m listing some of your kind comments. I’m very grateful to have received these and I put them here so to help me keep working hard to improve the site. Many thanks! Advertising Rent your home on this site. Lots of options and easy payment terms here: https://banskoblog.com/advertise-bansko/ Or if you are looking to rent a holiday home in Bansko, why not support the owners’ advertising here? Take a look here: https://banskoblog.com/bansko-accommodation/===============================================================================================
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